Harmony and David’s Wedding

The Newly Married Harmony and David, and their Flower Girl.

Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue,
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true.

From Somewhere Over the Rainbow

I think it was in mid July that my friend Cathy told me her daughter Harmony and fiance David wanted to be married on August 15. I was fairly sure I would be invited but before I could be asked, I volunteered to come and help with the preparations. 🙂

Cathy and I go back about twenty years. I’ve not known Harmony quite as long but I felt a connection to her from the moment we met. She is a loving soul with a very caring manner. Her heart is big and bold and beautiful. I wanted to be a part of her wedding day.

So when I arrived on the day before the wedding (Friday), Cathy, David and Harmony had already been at work since Tuesday. The yard was ready, the arbor was decorated. The food was bought, the platters were washed and the extra fridge was stocked with drinks. They were expecting 40-60 people. I knew they were on top of it.

The wedding day dawned bright and sunny. We re-arranged lawn furniture a bit so seating would be comfortable. Harmony polished her toe nails (every bride needs pretty toes). Decisions were made on how to present and serve the food. Along with Cathy’s friend Lisa, we put vases of fresh flowers in the bathroom and lit candles. We cooled down the house for the seniors who might need a break.

Harmony and Her Dad Michael

When the guests began showing up, it didn’t take long for everything to start rolling. Harmony walked down the green grass aisle with her father Michael. David was waiting for her in cool shorts and a summery shirt. David’s friend played “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on a ukelele, in memory of David’s mother.

After the ceremony, there was the cake cutting. I heard that the minister said he watches how a newly married couple feeds each other cake. If they feed each other respectfully, they will have a happy marriage. Harmony and David were very loving as they fed each other cake. A good sign.

Getting Ready to Cut the Cake. My friend Cathy is on the Far Left.

The whole atmosphere was of a wedding/summer party. Hot and sunny, flowers everywhere, people smiling and fanning themselves. Little children running around blowing super bubbles. Lots of great food to eat, red velvet cupcakes, and happiness.

The next morning, Harmony and David started packing their car early to head back home. Cathy loaded them up with lots of leftovers. As they got into their car to leave, we all started crying (me too). I’m not sure why I was crying but I felt like it was my kids leaving too.

As we waved good bye, I told Cathy how my grandmother used to stand on her sidewalk and watch our car leave when I was a little girl. Yiayia would stay there until she could no longer see us. I get that now. I really do.

Blessings to Harmony and David on their marriage! May God grant you both happiness and many years together!

Joanne was amazing. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful friend. She did such a beautiful job of coordinating all the food, toasts and sequence of events. What a gift to me…she made it so easy for me to enjoy the wedding without having to have any worries. I turned everything over to her. I love it when unexpected generosity of spirit shows up as a complete surprise. It was a beautiful day and my daughter’s, David, her father and I can not thank her enough or her assist (my friend) Lisa for all they did. Everyone commented on what a beautiful wedding it was. Thank you for the lovely blog and for all you did. Thank you, thank you, thank you. As an aside, the song was a gift to David from Harmony. His other passed away two years ago and it was her favorite song.

Marianne, Thank you for your kind words. I suspect we all go through these moments when we are not quite sure that we write anything that anyone pays attention to. Do you ever go through that?
And then you realize that you are using your gifts, the ones God gave you, when you write and express your feelings.
I think you and I were born to write. I’m grateful for you and all the writer friends I have the honor of knowing.
xoxo Joanne

Joanne , what a beautiful gift of friendship you share with Cathy and what a beautiful name her daughter has! It must have felt very special to you to be such a big part of this wedding day. I found myself getting a bit chocked up when you were all saying goodbye the next day ( I guess it is a mom thing). It seemed as if your words came to life. Jim & I always stand outside when our kids leave and wait till they drive away.They never said, but iam sure they would find it strange if didnt!

This is wonderful, Joanne. Just seeing the pictures and reading your details made me so happy for the bride and groom and all the friends and family. Every wedding should be focused on the important things, and then sharing cake and laughter and love.

So true Marylin. It is great when I can be witness to the union of a couple. Many times I am the first person to congratulate them when they finish their walk back down the aisle as husband and wife. This is truly a great honor.
xoxo

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Hi There!

I’m a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania blogger, published author, wedding/event planner, and a recovering perfectionist! I love to look for grace in everyday life. Love, marriage, faith, children, and grandchildren are my favorite topics. Join me as I look for joyous moments.

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